RB Strength of Schedule
Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| RB SOS | ||
| 1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
| 3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
| 4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
| 5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
| 8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
| 9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
| 11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
| 12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
| 13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
| 14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
| 16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
| 17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
| 24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
| 26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
| 27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
| 31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
| 32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
| 2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
| 3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
| 5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
| 7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
| 9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
| 10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
| 12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
| 13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
| 17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
| 19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
| 21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
| 22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
| 25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
| 29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
| 31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
| 32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is active ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Campbell has missed the last four games while being on the injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, Campbell was able to practice this week and has been activated ahead of this contest in London. The 24-year-old has been limited to one game this season, but is a difference maker when healthy. Campbell should resume his role as the top defensive back on this team which should give the Jaguars defense a boost on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have activated running back Nick Chubb. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will make his much-anticipated return in week seven against the Bengals. His presence will be a welcome one by a Browns team that's 1-5 and flailing miserably. Cleveland traded Amari Cooper this week and Deshaun Watson looks like an absolute shell of himself, so anything the Browns get from Chubb will be important. Dynasty managers should be cautious as his role is likely not going to be a huge one for a few weeks. Still, it will certainly be nice to see him back after last year's gruesome injury.
Dynasty | The Jets are planning on Davante Adams playing at full strength this week. Dynasty Analysis: Adams was traded to the Jets this week and apparently the plane flight magically cured his injury. Dynasty managers won't complain as Adams has reportedly looked great in practice and is excited to be reunited with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets still have major problems and Adams is going to still need to build chemistry in the offense, so he should be viewed as more of a WR2 at the moment. Stay tuned.
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon is expected to play the majority of the offensive snaps again in Week 7 with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) inactive. Sermon has been the Colts' lead back for each of their last two games, and he expects to remain in that role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has commanded 34 touches over the last two weeks, but he has just 67 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards during that span (average of 2.7 yards per touch). On the other hand, backup Tyler Goodson has actually been more productive on fewer opportunities, tallying 122 scrimmage yards during that same two-week range (average of 6.1 yards per touch). This week against a modest Dolphins run defense, Goodson has higher upside in PPR leagues while Sermon is more of a touchdown-dependent FLEX play.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) is not expected to play in Week 7 against the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 23-year-old made his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend, playing just seven percent of snaps and failing to command a target. Now, he's sidelined once again, giving way to a receiving corps of George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Van Jefferson, among others. Pickens is an appealing WR3/FLEX play against a respectable Raiders secondary.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones picked up the injury during Week 5 in London, but a conveniently placed bye last week allowed the veteran running back to recover for Sunday's game against Detroit without missing any time. He has been quite productive through five games this season, tallying 350 rushing yards, 167 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns. He typically ranks as a low-end fantasy RB1, but the Lions' strong run defense could drop him to the RB2 tier.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints will host wide receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling for a workout on Monday, and if all goes well, they could sign him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Valdes-Scantling was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, for whom he caught just two passes through six games. The Saints are starving for reinforcements at the wide receiver position with Chris Olave (concussion) sidelined and Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for the year. While Olave figures to return soon, New Orleans still needs to add depth to a wide receiver room that currently contains just Olave, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Jermaine Jackson.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Bills) is scheduled to work out for the New Orleans Saints Monday, Oct. 21.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Whittington had been limited in practice this past week. The 24-year-old has taken advantage of injuries to Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) lately, catching 13 of 18 targets for 151 yards over his last two games combined. The rookie is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown, but in the meantime, he'll continue to operate as the Rams' top receiver while ranking as a WR3/FLEX play in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to pause trade talks surrounding wide receiver Mike Williams and will resume negotiations after the two teams face each other on Sunday night in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Williams has become a popular name on the trade market after the Jets acquired Davante Adams. The former Los Angeles Chargers receiver has been quiet in his first season with New York, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. However, he could have more of a role if traded to a different team, such as the Steelers. Pittsburgh's wide receiver corps is headlined by George Pickens, who has delivered inconsistent production. Williams could certainly join the Steelers and immediately compete with their current No. 2 receiver, Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
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From TheHuddle
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction entering the weekend. In the end, the 26-year-old missed just one game due to the injury. His return this week bumps Antonio Gibson out of the starting role. Stevenson, who is averaging 78 scrimmage yards and 0.6 touchdowns per game this season, ranks as a low-end fantasy RB2 in his return. He gets help from a favorable matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed the second-most receptions and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs so far this season.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (illness) and Tyquan Thornton (coach's decision) are inactive for Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baker has repeatedly been inactive, failing to log an offensive snap since Week 2. While he has typically been sidelined as a coach's decision, he's inactive this week with an illness. That's merely a technicality, of course, as Baker likely would have been a healthy scratch even if he wasn't ill. The rookie is still searching for his first NFL target and will have to wait at least one more week. Thornton, meanwhile, has been the subject of trade rumors lately but lacks significant fantasy appeal; he hasn't registered a reception since catching two passes back in the season opener. Both players can be dropped in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is "unlikely" to play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Kupp will undergo additional evaluation pregame, so the Rams haven't made an official decision on his availability yet. However, he certainly faces an uphill battle to suit up on Sunday afternoon. The star pass-catcher has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in the middle of Week 2. He dominated during the season opener, catching 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and one touchdown. As soon as he's healthy enough to play, he'll rank as a WR1 while catching passes from Matthew Stafford. In the meantime, look for Jordan Whittington (shoulder) and Tutu Atwell to command additional targets.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is inactive for Week 7 against the New England Patriots in London. The 25-year-old has been plagued by limited production and injury lately, and now, he's out altogether. This leaves the door open for Tank Bigsby and D'Ernest Johnson to earn additional touches, with the former presumably in line to handle the bulk of the opportunities. Bigsby will rank as an RB3/FLEX against a Patriots defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick has agreed to an adjusted contract with the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Reddick will report to the team on Monday morning and presumably has a strong chance to play in Week 8 against the New England Patriots. Terms of his new deal weren't immediately reported, but it's expected to be a short-term deal that allows Reddick and the Jets to discuss a long-term deal later on. Reddick had double-digit sacks in each of his last four seasons, so his return is great news for the Jets as they look to turn their season around and mount a playoff run.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) is expected to suit up against the Dolphins. The wideout is listed as questionable for this one. However, he logged a full practice session on Friday, which was a positive indication he would be on the field in Week 7. From a yardage standpoint, Pierce is the team's most productive receiver so far in 2024-25. But outside of a few strong fantasy showings, he's been irrelevant in most of the Colts' games this season. Still, Pierce has a proven upside, giving him credibility as a flex option, at the very least, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) also in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is slated to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. He is currently listed as questionable, just like he was ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Titans. However, the wideout was on the field for that one, finishing with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, so the latest update isn't surprising. Downs has 24 catches in his last three games. With that in mind, he's at least a flex option for fantasy managers, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) also expected to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is anticipated to play in Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. His back issue isn't anything new, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon. However, as long as the wideout's condition doesn't take a turn for the worse, he should continue to play moving forward. Pittman has scored in each of his last two games. Unfortunately, he's only caught more than four passes twice this season. Still, Pittman should always be considered a starting fantasy option, even with Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) in line to suit up.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is anticipated to play in Sunday's game versus the 49ers. Head coach Andy Reid implied the wideout was on the right track toward suiting up in Week 7, so his expected availability isn't surprising. He is coming off a monster performance, amassing seven catches (eight targets) for 130 yards in the Monday night victory over the Saints. While that type of showing makes Smith-Schuster at least a Flex option, he's still hard to trust, considering he had only two receptions entering Week 5.
From RotoBaller
